Her name is Kim and she lives in Ohio. Attached for about twenty years to her honey, she works in the medical field and is the mommy of two. She uses Noxema and at least once has used it to punk her honey. She’s a rock-n-roller. She learned to drive the hard way, and we’re not just talking about 3-on-the-column, mind you. Of course, no matter what she’s doing, in the end it is all for them.
I have read your blog for almost as long as I’ve had a blog, and I’ve enjoyed seeing things through your eyes. You make me laugh, cause interesting images to flash across my mind, and move me. Of course, I was happy to see you sign up for the hot seat, so whatcha say?
1. A month ago, I read this and wanted to come see you take the field. Then, I read this and this and am wondering: How’s softball? I suppose I should check the weather records for Ohio and see if it is experiencing an unusual amount of rain this year. Besides your current exploits on the ballfield, what physical activities (get outta that gutter, you), if any, did you enjoy the most before kids, career, etc.? Which one(s) did you participate in the most?
2. I could post a number of links that reflect the depth of your motherhood, but one statement says it all: "A long time ago Jamie use to say to me ‘You’re such a mom’ and I’d take offense to it. Like ‘How dare you say that to me!’ Looking back? That’s probably the best compliment I’ve ever received." I read that here, where you also acknowledge "Had it not been for them I never would have known the greatest love of all."
I have a client, Sue, who took great pride among her circle of friends in the fact that she and her daughter were "best friends." Of course, her fifteen year old daughter smokes the same brand of cigs, has the same taste in boys, and the same sense of style as her mom. Because of pertinent legal issues and all, I am having to counsel mom on some finer points of parenting, and I am no expert. However, I firmly believe that a parents job is to be a parent. It is a tough job, but if you are even moderately successful, you have a better chance at being friends with your children when it really matters: when they are adults.
What is your stongest asset when it comes to parenting? Your weakest? We all, in some ways either large or small, become our parents. What is the best thing you took from them? The worst?
3. Almost every woman I have ever known has had some issue with their body weight. In fact, I would say every woman, but I am not 100% sure about that. You took control of the situation and had a gastric bypass. First of all, I am not sure what you looked like before, although I must say you rock the 80’s prom dresses…. I do know that you are quite the babe now. I learned a lot from your posts. For instance, I had no idea that you cannot eat and drink at the same time. Wow.
Congratulations on your progress and maintenance. I, for one, am impressed with that, and even more impressed by your attitude through it all. Oh, and I wanna see the scar! 
Anyway… at one point you wrote, "Do you think we have the right to tell those we love that they’ve gained weight? I mean, when a husband and wife get married it’s ‘For better or worse, in sickness and in health..blah blah blah…’ Isn’t that part of for better or worse? Or are they expected to stay the same as the day they walked down the aisle?"
Good questions. Tough questions. Questions that are on that list with "religion" and "politics." As for me, I detest the way some people (seems to be mostly men) treat their significant others when it comes to weight. A friend of mine is overheard frequently saying things to his wife that are so demeaning that I cringe. I try to think of how to talk to him about it, but each time I try to approach the issue, he shuts it down. Maybe calling him a "friend" is going a little too far… The truth is, I have been there. No, I have never spoken those types of things, but I have thought them. "Honey, dessert is not a good idea. Please. My goodness, stop." I have thought it, so am I any better? I don’t expect 115 lbs forever. If the "ideal weight" is 115, I’m wanting anywhere between 110 and 140. That’s just me, and I definitely think one should know what one wants. The non-physical attributes are far more important to me, but I know what I am physically attracted to and that matters a lot to me. Back to the question. I am quite certain that the gainer knows the deal and does not need to be reminded that they’ve gained. I also am certain that commenting negatively leads to not-so-positive results. Perhaps a "Hey, let’s take up tennis" or a "Let’s take a walk around the block" or even a "I know I said I was in the mood for a good cheeseburger, honey, but how about something healthier - you know I need to watch the cholesterol" would bring better results. To me, it seems that sidestepping the issue and making healthier suggestions that both parties can participate in is better than targeting the one who has gained weight.
Assuming that your significant other does want to say something about the weight issue, what is the best way for him to handle it? Lots of guys want to know.
4. I liked this post, in which you write, "…I’ll say the best way to avoid such situations is by simply communicating. Works both ways-men if ya want something you need to ask for it and women, we use our voices for many things-taking care of one’s emotional well being should be one of them." All too often it seems, people wait… and wait… and wait, almost as if (and let’s be honest here, this is not almost as if, it’s what’s truly going on) they are testing the other to see if they will get it, do it, say it, whatever. Then, frustration and anger, bitterness and resentment set in. Hey, c.o.m.m.u.n.i.c.a.t.e. It stops most trouble dead in its tracks. However, how does this affect the issues in Number 3, above? Is it really ok to communicate everything you want?
5. Here I learned that you lack a great short-term memory. Good thing you’re documenting everything for posterity, and for us. After all, I enjoy stories, especially digging through, pulling out, and analyzing the greater meanings hidden in the minutiae of life. I liked your statement, "If it wasn’t for the street lights coming on and my dogs itching to get moving I could have sat there on the park bench with that old timer and listened to stories of days gone by. They have the best stories. I just wish more people would stop and listen."
I enjoy "listening" to you. Maybe it’s because twenty-three of the 100 things about you could be on my list. Maybe I am aiming to be number 90, part 2. (kidding) I do enjoy your blog, and thanks for being interviewed. The last question(s): You can only tell your children one more story, what is it? Same for your honey. And, what "story," of all you’ve been told, has meant the most to you?
Post your responses by next Friday, and let me know so I can "advertise."
Interview Rules:
Leave a comment letting me know you want to be inteviewed.
Once informed that the interview is up, prepare and post your response by the deadline, which should be no less than one week.
Offer to interview others, if you want!
Kate Michele is next.
